Sinusitis

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of your sinuses. It is most often caused by a virus. Acute sinusitis may last up to 12 weeks. Chronic sinusitis lasts longer than 12 weeks. Recurrent sinusitis is when you have 3 or more episodes of sinusitis in 1 year.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Return to the emergency department if:

Your eye and eyelid are red, swollen, and painful.

You cannot open your eye.

You have vision changes, such as double vision.

Your eyeball bulges out or you cannot move your eye.

You are more sleepy than normal, or you notice changes in your ability to think, move, or talk.

You have a stiff neck, a fever, or a bad headache.

You have swelling of your forehead or scalp.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

Your symptoms get worse after 5 to 7 days.

Your symptoms do not go away after 10 days.

You have nausea and vomiting.

Your nose is bleeding.

You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.

NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children under 6 months of age without direction from your child's healthcare provider.

Nasal steroid sprays may help decrease inflammation in your nose and sinuses.

Decongestants help reduce swelling and drain mucus in the nose and sinuses. They may help you breathe easier.

Antihistamines help dry mucus in the nose and relieve sneezing.

Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him or her if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

Rinse your sinuses. Use a sinus rinse device to rinse your nasal passages with a saline (salt water) solution. This will help thin the mucus in your nose and rinse away pollen and dirt. It will also help reduce swelling so you can breathe normally. Ask your healthcare provider how often to do this.

Breathe in steam. Heat a bowl of water until you see steam. Lean over the bowl and make a tent over your head with a large towel. Breathe deeply for about 20 minutes. Be careful not to get too close to the steam or burn yourself. Do this 3 times a day. You can also breathe deeply when you take a hot shower.

Sleep with your head elevated. Place an extra pillow under your head before you go to sleep to help your sinuses drain.

Drink liquids as directed. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Liquids will thin the mucus in your nose and help it drain. Avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine.

Do not smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can make your symptoms worse. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Prevent the spread of germs that cause sinusitis:

Wash your hands often with soap and water. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, change a child's diaper, or sneeze. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.